Steph's Fanfiction Reviews

Friends - Christmas at the Bings

A cute reunion story set five years after the last episode of Friends. The narrative is based during the Christmas period and focuses on the core six characters plus their extended families. The author had made a good attempt at this fanfiction, and has tried to keep it true to the original series. Overall it is a sweet story about bringing together the families to celebrate and to show that even though time has passed their friendships have remained strong. The constant introduction of characters has meant that in-depth descriptions could not occur. Also grammatical errors let this fanfic down as it is off putting to read mistakes.

Criminal Minds - Trickster

This story starts with the usual, something happens and the BAU are called in to assist in the investigation. This unusual case develops more supernatural elements, involving shape shifters, and the relevance and mystery of ravens. I didn't find this particularly great but it was good. Parts of the storyline felt disjointed, and out of character. But the purpose of fanfiction is to create something of your own and be original. This was not your normal approach to a 'Criminal Minds' fanfiction, the incorporation of supernatural themes enabled it to become something truly unique.

Friends - Window View

This 'Friends' fanfic is set at the end of the final episode of the series and it shows how the scene would have played out if it had been watched from afar. This narrative details the interaction between Monica and Chandler as they watch Ross and Rachel reunite. It is a sweet and short story that includes the inevitable happy ending. It is well written and it is refreshing to consider that final scene from the perspective of other core characters.

Friends - Seven Days

This 'Friends' fanfiction takes a more sombre turn away from the usual cheerful tone of the series. This narrative is based in the future and focuses on the death of Ross and the impact on Rachel and their family. It details how the characters deal with the unexpected death of a loved one. It is often difficult to write tragic pieces and you need to be able to capture the emotion from the situation just right, this author has made a good attempt at doing that.

Friends - The One with the Turkey on Monica's Head

In the spirit of light heartedness this fanfiction is a good source of humour. This fanfic is an extended piece to the final scene of the episode "The One with All the Thanksgivings". Although it does become a bit all over the place at the end, this fanfic provides a series of laughs involving either turkey or pie. It is surprising the hilarity that can come from a person wearing a turkey on their head. It is not as good as the actual episode but this fanfic author had made a good attempt.

Glee - Family Ties

This fanfiction is based on Fox network's latest hit television show Glee. The initial focus is on the aftermath of the revelations from in the episode "Sectionals", the blossoming relationship between Kurt's father and Finn's mother, the union of the two families and Finn's growing infatuation with Rachel. Only a few chapters have been published as this story is still in its beginning stages, but this author is off to a great start and has created something which would really captivate the attention of the Glee fan base.

Pushing Daisies - The End

Focusing on the relationship between Ned and Chuck, this fanfiction is a well written short story on what would happen if Ned were to die suddenly under similar circumstances as his mother. Digby, the dog, and Chuck can't help but attempt to revive him, but both fall victim to the unavoidable curse which ultimately ends both their lives. I liked this fanfic and felt that the bittersweet ending was perfect for a narrative relating to this series. An inevitable sadness comes from the death of both the central characters but the happiness of their afterlife reunion is what 'Pushing Daisies' fans would really appreciate. The one thing I really enjoyed about reading this fanfic is that the 'narrator' sections come off as being really authentic and believable. The way the lines are written and the tone you get from them, make it seem like they have come straight out of an episode.

One Tree Hill - Missing You

This is a very well written fanfiction. It is set in season three when Haley is reminiscing on a moment from her tour. The story itself is well described and the audience get a real feel for the emotions Haley is feeling as she recalls the decisions that led her up to her current position. Having this particular scene from Haley's point of view is very fitting as she realises what she truly desires. In terms of layout, this fanfic is set out correctly. Readers are able to differentiate between reality and Haley's flashbacks. I personally love the song "Missing You", and I felt that it was used appropriately in this fanfic. This fanfiction is a perfect mix of drama and romance.

The Breakfast Club - Life As I Know It

Known as the 'Rebel' of the group, John Bender is one of the five core characters in the 80s cult classic 'The Breakfast Club'. This fanfiction is a detailed background into the world of Bender. It describes his life before the fateful weekend detention and his realisations after that Saturday. Set in Bender's point of view, this very descriptive narrative enables the audience to have insight into the destructive lifestyle of Bender, which involves abuse, alcohol, drugs and suicide attempts and it reveals music as his emotional outlet. I feel like this has the potential to be a good companion piece to the film as it fills in character blanks.

One Tree Hill - Laundry Service

Set in an alternative One Tree Hill universe, this fanfiction describes banter between Nathan and Haley in a Laundromat and the events which follow when you overflow a washing machine. The author has done a very good job at creating their own world using the One Tree Hill characters. This is a great fanfiction, which is well written. This charm of this story just brings a smile to your face as you read it.